By NOEL MURPHY
ANDY POBJOY has blamed City Hall red tape for stopping him opening a music bar in central Geelong’s cultural precinct.
Mr Pobjoy said he applied for a permit in early February but was still waiting even though the premises previously operated as a restaurant bar for 15 years.
“Our new premises is the former site of Bamboleo – a Spanish restaurant that operated with a 12am on-premises liquor licence with a kitchen serving tapas and live flamenco music.
“I understand (waiting) eight to 12 weeks if I’m making major changes to the land use or the conditions of the liquor licence but this is just red tape nonsense at its worst.
“I don’t want any special treatment. I’m not asking for something unreasonable – this was a restaurant for 15 years in the middle of an area they’re trying to revitalise.”
Mr Pobjoy hoped his venue, Blue Note, could initially host live performers such as pianists three nights a week for up to 50 patrons.
The Independent recently reported that millions of investment dollars were on hold across Geelong as permit applications awaited processing despite City Hall adopting a VicSmart planning system with 10-day turnarounds for some permits.
A spokesperson said City Hall received Mr Pobjoy’s application for an on-premises liquor licence on 3 February. The City then sought further information on 13 February, including clarification of the intended use of the site as a live music venue.
After further discussions the applicant sought an amendment to remove the live music component and seek a liquor license for a restaurant only, effectively restarting the process, the spokesperson said.
The application was formally amended on 18 February and referred to Victoria Police and council’s community development and traffic departments eight days later.
City Hall now expected to issue the permit within the legislated 60-day timeframe, the spokesperson said.
